The first impression: square! Admittedly, the radiator grille and front apron make the V-Class look wider and more elegant after the facelift. But that does not change anything in the boxy basic form. A bus remains a bus.

The manufacturer says: The Mercedes people celebrate the V-Class as a model of success. After all, they have sold about 209,000 copies of the current model since 2014 and set a record in 2018 with 64,000 new registrations. The wide-bodied sedan attracts young customers and proves to be a door opener for new markets - especially in Asia. The car has been running since early 2019 in India from the tape.

The star on the hood is a must for chief engineer Andreas Hasselwander: "Depending on the country, our customers expect similar and sometimes even more luxury than in our limousines, and they also want the van at eye level with a car when it comes to driving behavior", says the line ladder. This explains the thrust of the facelift: It should be more power and more prestige.

photo gallery


11 pictures

Autograph Mercedes V-Class: Bus full of luxury

That's what we noticed: If you get in through the large sliding doors in the back, you almost think you are in a room. There are up to six single seats or two benches, a high shelf in the trunk and on request a table. All the furniture glides in rails, which makes the chairs easy to move. In addition, the V-Class is the only Mercedes in the car format, in which the third row of seats is easily accessible.

While the room experience in the rear is unique, the V-Class should offer the typical Mercedes feel at the very front, even if the driver sits high and close to the wheel and almost feels like a trucker. To emphasize the connection to E-Class and Co., there is an update for navigation and infotainment system. In addition a new engine extends the offer. The two-liter four-cylinder diesel is more economical than before, especially in conjunction with the new nine-speed automatic. Especially in the V 300d, the unit has more pulling power: V-Class drivers used to overtake so far endurance and start-up, the giant now comes - about 120 on the highway - faster after a kickdown on trot.

Although the V-Class looks classier and is faster - but it remains closely related to a commercial vehicle. Even though an S-Class is barely shorter or lighter, it feels much more dynamic because of the lower center of gravity and the lower seating position. The V-Class is and will remain a full-size sedan.

Something annoying is the background noise of the diesel, which sounds louder and rougher in the V-class than in the C-Class and Co. You can feel the four-cylinder and hear clearly. Because it is getting tight in the engine compartment and because commercial customers are scarcely expecting, be it with the insulation not as far ago as in a limousine, concedes the chief engineer. A solution to the noise, however, is in sight: At the turn of the year, there is the V-class with electric drive, then rest when traveling.

You have to know: The sale of the revised V-Class at prices from 50,242 euros has begun, will be delivered from May. On request also as motorhome "Marco Polo". Available in three lengths (4.98, 5.14 or 5.37 meters), they are built in Vittoria, Spain. There are initially three engine variants, which use the new four-cylinder diesel and are available on the base model with four-wheel drive: The V 220d with 163 hp, the V 250d with 190 hp and the new top model V 300d with 239 hp and impressive 530 Nm of torque. Consumption is on the test bench with values ​​from 5.9 liters on a level that is hardly worse than the sedan. And soon even less is possible. The V-Class with a 204 hp electric motor and a 100 kWh battery for a maximum range of 400 kilometers will be even more efficient thanks to the battery drive.

We will not forget that: The luxury seats that Mercedes offers as an option in the second row. Although shrinks then the space for the rest of the inmates in the rear on small car format. But for the lucky ones in these lounge chairs with electrically adjustable legrest, air conditioning and massage function, the V-Class to Mercedes' King of Comfort, even outperforming the S-Class. That the van is not quite as fast as the sedan, then no longer matters. Who once lolls in this bed, does not want to arrive faster. He would have to get up and get out sooner.

vehicle registration

Manufacturer: Mercedes
Type: V 300d 4matic
Body: minibus
Engine: Four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic transmission
Drive: four-wheel
displacement: 1,950 cc
Power: 239 hp (176 kW)
torque: 530 Nm
From 0 to 100: 8.6 s
Top speed .: 214 km / h
Consumption (ECE): 6.5 liters
CO2 emissions: 172 g / km
Mass: 2,220 kg
Dimensions: 5140/1928/1880
Price: 54,514 euros